Stardock's new game -- Elemental: War of Magic

[Zenicetus]

I'm a big Stardock fan (well, actually mainly a big GalCiv2 fan), and I've been looking forward to this. However, I'm having a hard time getting enthusiastic about the art style. I've read about the inspiration for the style, but it still isn't grabbing me. That hard-edge outline looks like an attempt at a comic book style, with a washed-out color palette. Oh well, I know this type of game isn't really about the eye candy, and at least it can't be accused of copying anything else out there. Just a minor quibble, and maybe it'll grow on me.

I'm not crazy about the square tile combat system either, but maybe that will grow on me too.

According to Brad's dev journal comments, the first open/pre-order beta is going to be very stripped-down to focus on game mechanics, so I think I'll wait to pre-order until there's a little more meat on the bones. I'll definitely jump in sometime before final release though.

[Xiahou]

From what I've seen, I love Elemental's art style. Here's some new screenies to take in.

I can't wait for the Beta to start....

[Martok]

I'll be honest: While functional, I wasn't overly-impressed with the game's visuals until the last few days. Now, however, I'm loving it.


As for the beta, I'm probably going to hold off, at least for now. Aside from my lacking the requisite patience to be a beta-tester, I'm also waiting for if/when the collector's edition is announced.

[Decker]

I actually stumbled upon this game not to long myself, and like you Martok, am waiting for this game to be released. I personally liked the art style from the get-go. Also, all the features seem to be really cool! The only things I am worried about is the diplomacy and the modding (which I hope is easy because this seems like a good game to mod imho )...

[Martok]

The only things I am worried about is the diplomacy and the modding (which I hope is easy because this seems like a good game to mod imho )...

Well I think you'll be quite pleased with the modding aspect, as the team has already built some pretty amazing mod tools (although I don't know if they'll be included in the soon-to-be-released beta). By most accounts, GalCiv2 was fairly easy to mod -- although be advised that I can't claim first-hand knowledge of this -- and Stardock has repeatedly stated their intention to make Elemental even more so. And unlike certain game companies that shall not be named, generally speaking Stardock has actually come through on what they say they're going to do.

As for diplomacy, I have very few worries about it myself. GalCiv2 is one of a small handful of games I've played where diplomacy is actually meaningful -- although admittedly, I suspect probably not as much as in most Paradox titles -- and I cannot imagine Brad Wardell slacking off in that department with EWM. Indeed, between the recently announced dynasties feature and the just-announced vassals feature, the game's diplomatic system looks to be quite robust.

[Decker]

Oh I know about the modding (I've never modded before and this looks like a really good game at doing a first attempt haha )

And true, I hear a LOT about GalCiv2 (though I've never played any of the games). And wow! That is really cool! The more info on this game that gets out the more I cannot wait for it haha.

Found this a few days ago.
Gameplay Video

[Papewaio]

I wonder if any of Stardock's developers visit here...

Waiting for this one... Looks like I will have to be a very good boy this summer (down under Feb is at the end of summer)...